The economics of hydrogen and carbon monoxide separation with cuprous ammonium lactate solutions

• Published in: Fuel processing technology 1979-03, Vol.2 (2), p.79-97
• Main Authors: Morrison, Lowen Robert, Kermode, R.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0378-3820; 1873-7188
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-3820(79)90011-0

A process is proposed for making hydrogen from coal which completely eliminates low temperature and reduces the amount of high temperature shift conversion. The resulting 1:1 H 2CO mixture is separated by absorption and reaction in a cuprous ammonium lactate solution at 1000 p.s.i.a. The hydrogen is used for large scale coal liquefaction. Regeneration of the cuprous ammonium lactate solution results in a sulfur and particulate free carbon monoxide stream suitable for electric power generation. A comparison of the economics of this alternative with conventional high and low temperature shift conversion shows an increase in the process efficiency as well as reduction in the amount of capital required. This, plus other savings, results in carbon monoxide costing 0.988 $/MSCF or 3.095 $/MM Btu. On an equivalent Btu basis, this is 70.9% of the cost of hydrogen by conventional coal conversion. Thus, substitution of separation for shift conversion results in a substantial product cost reduction.